We are very pleased that the entire city council is supportive of bicycle-friendly initiatives. The following three photos feature Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal. We wish everyone would opt to cycle often—especially for local activities.

In the first image, (taken by Diandra Jay of the Press-Telegram, dated June 5, 2009), we see Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal and other cyclists during a ‘First Fridays’ event. Suja rides her orange-colored beach cruiser—a fun bicycle for slow, easy, local riding. A cruiser can be a happy choice for stopping at local cafés… riding along the beach path… going to the library.

In the second image, (taken by GarySe7en, dated April 5, 2009), we again see Suja Lowenthal, this time riding a tricycle. It’s night time and Suja’s trike doesn’t have a headlight. Yikes! Yet if your knees can take it, we see that a child’s trike can be a delightful way to go. Perhaps not the most comfortable or efficient vehicle if you’re heading to the top of Signal Hill.

In the third image, (taken at Jax Bicycles, dated July 6, 2010), we see Suja (and Jax employee Holley Limpach, and LBC president Bernadette McKeever). Suja has selected a new hybrid bicycle—part racer, part urban friendly. Suja’s Trek is relatively lightweight, it has comfortable handlebars, it has upright geometry, and it has plenty of gears. A bicycle of this type feels sprite and nimble. Suja may soon be seen cycling to all corners of Long Beach with her new bike… and, who knows, she may even cycle to the park at the top of Signal Hill.

Might there be yet other types of bicycles in Suja’s future? We’re not going to encourage her to fill ALL the rooms in her house with bicycles… although perhaps this is just the beginning. There are many, many types and models of bicycles out there nowadays, each with its own riding characteristics and personality.

Which types of bicycles do you suppose YOU will be riding in YOUR future?

Traffic Skills 101—the short-duration course that helps you develop skills to cycle Long Beach streets more safely—is taught by instructors (LCI’s) who are certified by the League of American Bicyclists. The course at CSULB Pyramid Annex is free, but advance registration is required. Click EDUCATION at the top of the longbeachcyclsts.com page for more information and to link to the CSULB web site to register.

This will be will be the last opportunity to take Traffic Skills 101 in Long Beach this summer.

By the way, the photograph was lifted from the cover of the Smart Cycling pamphlet of the League of American Bicyclists. Given that the League is based in Washington, D.C., can you identify which building we see in the background? And… can you identify who is the LCI in the photo? Hint, he is well known in the Long Beach cycling community.

Traffic Skills 101

The last opportunity to take Traffic Skills 101 this summer will be in July.

Images of Southern California automobile traffic—including scenes shot here in Long Beach—are juxtaposed against images of Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. Bauch and his family have lived in both Long Beach and Amsterdam.

Come see a special screening of Bauch’s film at the Art Theater (Fourth Street close to Cherry Avenue) Thursday evening, 7:00 pm, June 10th. We hear that Michael Bauch will be present to talk with us about his film and respond to questions.

In terms of traffic conditions and lifestyle choices of most residents, the contrasts between Long Beach and Amsterdam are stunning.

Bauch’s film may fill us with hope. Our efforts locally to make Long Beach a more livable city aim us in the right direction.

For more information about Michael W. Bauch’s work, go to www.everydaybike.com.

On the first Friday of every month, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, many Long Beach cafés and restaurants offer lower prices to customers who show up on a bicycle and dine in. To participate, we are asked to show our helmet or bike lock key.

Click on the thumbnail Lunch Breaks PARTICIPANTS LIST to the right to see the list of the 27 current participants for addresses, web sites and discount particulars.

Lunch Breaks for Cyclists is part of the Car-Free Fridays initiative coordinated by the City of Long Beach (as promoted by BikeLongBeach dot org) in which all people are encouraged to bike to work, one day per month at the very least.

The current list is based on the participants list found at bikelongbeach.org.

“Share the Road”

Of course, the urban nature of Long Beach means that cyclists and motorists often must share tight spaces. Given that road conditions in our city often make for a rather snug fit, the cyclist is safer by cycling predictably rather than erratically… using hand signals, for example… and obeying the same traffic laws as motorists, including the same notions of right of way at intersections.

In the video, we see a cyclist who ignores a stop sign, passing a car that intends to turn right. The cyclist violates the law by failing to stop. Furthermore, he cycles into a dangerous ‘blind spot’. What if the motorists doesn’t know he’s there? Who is at fault if the cyclists gets struck?

Cyclists who recklessly ignore traffic law put themselves in danger and cause some motorists to feel angry at cyclists in general.

When we use the road as motorists, we need to respect cyclists and pedestrians.

When we cycle, we are wise to cycle legally, predictably and courteously so that motorists and pedestrians are not surprised by our presence… and so that we don’t place ourselves in unnecessary danger.

Click to view the “Share the Road” video.

There will be live entertainment, solar-powered stages, a green fashion show, educational workshops, food, eco-friendly booths, art, the community garden, an opportunity to see electric vehicles, and the Saturday morning organic farmers market on First at Linden.

Events take place in the East Village—in lots adjacent to the old Acres of Books (Long Beach Blvd. between Broadway and Third), also at East Village Arts Park (Elm near Broadway), and along First between Elm and Linden).

Long Beach Cyclists will provide free bike valet near the old Acres of Books building between 10:00 am and 5:30 pm—happily monitoring your bicycle during those hours. Or… you may chose to show up on foot, or… you may get to the Green Long Beach Festival by taking any bus heading downtown, or… by traveling on the southbound Metro Blue Line.

Car parking near the old Acres of Books lot will be available as well… although some of us who live ‘car free’ secretly might rather see the parking lot for cars nearly empty. Let’s hope that many folks arrive in car pools, and that zillions of folks enjoy the free bike valet. 

For more information, visit www.greenlb.org.

BTWD is a national day of cycling to work and is part of National BTWD week! In celebration, LB Cyclists has put together it’s 3rd annual Pit Stop,  this time, down in Belmont Shore. We moved from our previous location at the Belmont Pier because we think it’s important to move around the city especially into communities that are starting to become more bike friendly, AND for a change of demographic and scenery. Jones Bicycles has chosen to help us out by letting us set up in front of their shop, and is donating several things to be raffled off!

Speaking of raffles…Many local businesses have donated incredible gifts for us to share with local cyclists; Including: Gift Certificates to local restaurants and shops, bike accessories, water bottles and more! Food will also be provided for free including bagels from Noah’s and coffee from Portfolio Coffeehouse.

In an effort to take advantage of the large amount cyclists dropping by, we will be offering advice, educational material, maps and many free giveaways!

And FINALLY, we will also be providing Free 5 min quick bike tune ups (air, small adjustments, and advice) to whoever wants to wait for an open stand and friendly mechanic!

Bring your bicycle related concerns and questions AND a reusable mug for coffee!

On the first Friday of every month, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, many Long Beach cafés and restaurants offer lower prices to customers who show up on a bicycle and dine in. To participate, we are asked to show our helmet or bike lock key.

Click on the thumbnail Lunch Breaks PARTICIPANTS LIST to the right to see the list of the 27 current participants for addresses, web sites and discount particulars.

Lunch Breaks for Cyclists is part of the Car-Free Fridays initiative coordinated by the City of Long Beach (as promoted by BikeLongBeach dot org) in which all people are encouraged to bike to work, one day per month at the very least.

The current list is based on the participants list found at bikelongbeach.org.